Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The Parish Priest of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan has asserted that the youth today are confused because they do not walk in the Light, the Word of God. The priest stated this in his homily during the celebration of the Sunday of the Word has declared by the Universal Church, in the parish on Sunday 25th January 2026.

The Chief Celebrant of the day’s Mass, Rev. Fr. Vitalis, CSJ had at the introduction of the Mass said: “The Universal Church is celebrating the Sunday of the World of God. The Word which is the source of our being and foundation. The Word which is wrapped in the highest mystery. The Church has therefore called us to recognize Christ’s visibility in our world.”

In his homily, Fr. Balogun, who asked for those that have Bible was surprised to see only seven people raising up their Bible. He then reacted thus: “Though many have it on phone, but the word of God in its printed form is still precious.” He added too, that “Some can quote the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, but it goes beyond quoting; what about your life?” He asked.

Fr. Balogun enjoined all to walk in the Light, which can change anything, only if they believe and trust in God, this he said is lacking in our youth today and our country leaders who know the way, who travelled around and saw how things work, but they do not follow same. Instead, government is now leaving her duties and privates taking over such duties at cost to the citizens.

The priest also called on the parents to show their children the way. “Christ called the little ones from fishing in the day’s Gospel and they followed Him. Let our children in PMS and CYON also follow. When we respond to God’s call, our lives become channels of hope for others.” He said.

At the day’s Mass, parishioners joined Mrs Helen Onwudijo, who has just been installed as EZINNE in her state in a special thanksgiving.

Also, prizes were presented to the winners of the parish’s Laity Quiz Competition, held on Sunday 18th January 2026 and will be representing the parish at the deanery level on 8th February 2026 at St. Francis Catholic Church, Sanyo-Soka, Ibadan. The parish’s representatives are Francis Babalola, Theresa Babalola and Emmanuella Orji.